Creole Christmas Cake

Creole Christmas Cake Recipe - A Festive Delight from Creole Cuisine

Region / culture: Creole | Preparation time: 6-8 days | Cooking time: 3.5-4 hours | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Creole Christmas Cake is a traditional holiday dessert that is rich in flavor and history. This decadent fruitcake is infused with rum, brandy, and other spirits, making it a festive treat that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

History

Creole Christmas Cake has its roots in the Caribbean, where it is a popular dessert during the Christmas season. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the traditional fruitcake.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of rum
3 tbsp of brandy
3 tbsp of cherry brandy
3 tbsp of cointreau
3 tbsp of water
1.5 tsp of angostura bitters
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.5 tsp of ground cloves
0.5 tsp of salt
1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tbsp of molasses sugar
225 g of sultanas
225 g of raisins
225 g of currants
100 g of stoned no-soak prunes, chopped
50 g of glace cherries, chopped
100 g of mixed candied peel
50 g of almonds, chopped
50 g of pecans, chopped
250 g of self-raising flour
250 g of demerara sugar
250 g of butter, at room temperature
5 eggs (size 1)

How to prepare

Measure out the rum, brandy, cherry brandy, cointreau, water, and bitters into a large saucepan, six to eight days before baking the cake.
Add the spices, sugar, fruit, and nuts to the saucepan.
Stir the ingredients together and heat them over very low heat until the liquid is gently moving, without boiling.
Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl or another glass or china container and let it cool completely.
Cover the bowl with a double layer of clingfilm and refrigerate or place in a cool area.
Stir the mixture occasionally over the next few days.
After six to eight days, preheat the oven to gas 1 / 275°F / 140°C.
Cream the butter and sugar together, then fold in the flour and beaten eggs.
Gradually add the fruit mixture to the cake batter and mix until well combined.
Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin, ensuring the top is level.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 3.5 to 4 hours.
If the cake starts to brown too much, place a double layer of greaseproof paper over the top for protection.
Once the cake is completely cold, wrap it first in greaseproof paper and then either place it in a plastic cake box or wrap it in silver foil.
This cake can be stored for a few weeks.

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
Substitute the nuts and dried fruits with your favorite varieties for a personalized touch.
Drizzle the top of the cake with a rum or brandy glaze for an extra boozy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the fruit and nuts in the rum and brandy mixture for at least six to eight days before baking the cake. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and decadent cake.

- When baking the cake, be sure to cover the top with greaseproof paper if it starts to brown too much. This will help protect the cake from burning while it bakes.

- Store the cake in a cool place after baking to allow the flavors to develop even further. This cake can be stored for a few weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

Creole Christmas Cake is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Serve slices of this decadent fruitcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy before adding the flour and eggs. This will help create a light and tender cake.

- Fold in the fruit mixture gently to avoid deflating the batter and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

- Bake the cake in a low oven for a long period of time to ensure a moist and flavorful result.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spirits listed in the recipe, you can use a combination of rum and brandy for a similar flavor profile.

- Feel free to swap out the dried fruits and nuts with your favorites, such as dried apricots, figs, or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Creole Christmas Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool place for several weeks. This makes it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Creole Christmas Cake on a festive platter garnished with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar. This will add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert table.

Pairing Recommendations

Creole Christmas Cake pairs well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine. The rich and fruity flavors of the cake complement the warm and comforting notes of these drinks.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Creole Christmas Cake in a cool place, wrapped in greaseproof paper and foil, for up to a few weeks. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or oven for a few seconds until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creole Christmas Cake contains approximately 300 calories. While this dessert is a decadent treat, it is important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creole Christmas Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Creole Christmas Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fat. While this dessert is rich and indulgent, it is important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

Each serving of Creole Christmas Cake contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Creole Christmas Cake is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the mixed candied peel and various minerals from the nuts and dried fruits. These nutrients are essential for supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Creole Christmas Cake contains nuts and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming this dessert.

Summary

Creole Christmas Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. While it is high in carbohydrates and fats, it is important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Creole Christmas Cake is a decadent and festive dessert that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. This rich fruitcake is infused with rum, brandy, and other spirits, making it a delicious treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a slice of this indulgent dessert with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a truly memorable holiday experience.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Creole Christmas Cake. The rich and decadent flavors of this traditional Southern dessert have become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. I can still remember the first time I tasted it at a Christmas party many years ago. The moist cake, filled with fruits and nuts, was unlike anything I had ever tried before. It was a true culinary masterpiece, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I approached the host of the party, a sweet elderly lady named Mrs. Beauregard, and asked her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and agreed to share it with me, but only if I promised to keep it a secret and pass it down through the generations. I eagerly agreed, and she handed me a worn piece of paper with the handwritten recipe on it. I thanked her profusely and vowed to treasure this priceless gift.

I rushed home that night, eager to try my hand at making the Creole Christmas Cake. As I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I could feel Mrs. Beauregard's presence in my kitchen, guiding me every step of the way. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as the cake baked in the oven, and I knew I had created something truly special.

From that moment on, the Creole Christmas Cake became a beloved tradition in my family. Every year, as the holiday season approached, I would dust off Mrs. Beauregard's recipe and set to work in the kitchen, baking batch after batch of this delicious dessert. My children and grandchildren would eagerly await the first slice, savoring the flavors that reminded them of Christmases past.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different fruits and nuts, adjusting the spices to suit my taste. But no matter how many times I have made this cake, it always brings back memories of that first Christmas party and the kind-hearted woman who shared her secret recipe with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many years that have passed since I first learned to make Creole Christmas Cake, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that Mrs. Beauregard set me on. Her recipe has not only brought joy to my family but has also allowed me to connect with my Southern roots in a meaningful way. I am proud to carry on this tradition and pass it down to future generations, just as she asked me to all those years ago.

So, as the holiday season approaches once again, I will dust off my apron and get to work in the kitchen, preparing batch after batch of Creole Christmas Cake for my loved ones to enjoy. And as they take that first bite, I know that Mrs. Beauregard's spirit will be with us, smiling down on our festive gathering and blessing us with the warmth and love that only a homemade dessert can bring.